Growing Green conference in Aransas Pass to focus on sustainable development

Learn how green or sustainable industries and technologies can boost the South Texas economy, improve your company’s bottom line and create jobs at the Growing Green – Aransas Pass conference on Feb. 24-25 at the Aransas Pass Civic Center. Conference topics will include renewable energy projects, sustainable practices in agriculture, water conservation technologies, energy-saving ideas, tax credits, state and federal incentives, financing tools and best practices.

Business and community leaders, economic developers and entrepreneurs can network and meet speakers from Texas businesses and government who will provide the latest knowledge and technical expertise on the emerging green industry and sustainable development practices. Participants will also benefit from information about grants and tax breaks that can help spur economic development and entrepreneurship, and strengthen the local economy through sustainable rural development projects and businesses.

The conference will begin with check-in at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 24 at the Aransas Pass Civic Center. The conference sessions will conclude at 11:45 a.m. on Feb. 25, followed by optional tours of energy facilities from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Conference registration is $99, or register by Jan. 26 for $79. Optional tour, including lunch, is an additional $25. 

“This is an effort to harness emerging green technologies and industries to enhance economic development in rural and distressed areas of Texas,” said Economic Development Program Manager Sue Ann Palmore of the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), which is conducting the conference series. “Conference participants will learn how green practices and industries enhance the bottom line of businesses and the local community and help to diversify the local economic base.”

Funding for the conference is provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Sustainable rural development conferences are being scheduled at locations across the state, including upcoming conferences in San Marcos, June 16 – 17, and Lubbock in October. A statewide conference is planned for early 2012.

Partnering Agencies of the conference include the Growing Green Advisory Council, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas General Land Office, Texas Association of Regional councils, Texas Economic Development Council, University of Texas San Antonio’s Small Business Development Center, The Texas Greenbelt Coalition, Greater Texas Capital Corp., State Energy Conservation Office, Texas Center for Applied Technology, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, among others.

Current Sponsors are San Patricio County Farm Bureau and Gulf Coast Green Energy.